The short answer
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Worth a full day if you are serious about wildlife. It is a long, separate drive from Navegaon, roughly 45 to 60 km depending on the source, so pair it with a night nearby rather than a same-day round trip. Book the safari ahead.
History and context
The story behind Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagzira was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1970. In 2013 it was merged with Navegaon National Park and the other neighbouring protected areas into the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve.
Useful facts
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Bhandara and Gondia districts, Maharashtra
- Status
- Wildlife sanctuary, 1970
- Area
- About 152.81 sq km
- Wildlife
- Tiger, leopard, gaur, sloth bear, dhole, sambar
- Facilities
- Museum, watch cabins and towers
- Part of
- Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve
Why it matters
Why Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
Nagzira has been protected since 1970, and its forests are the core of the reserve's southern half. It holds the diversity that made the whole landscape worth upgrading to tiger-reserve status: roughly thirty-four mammal species, over a hundred and sixty bird species and dozens of reptiles.
It is also a place where conservation and local life overlap closely. Village boundaries are near, roads are narrow and livestock is part of the picture, so a visit is a good way to see how a protected area works when people live at its edge.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Lakes and towers
The lake edge and watchtowers give the best view of birds and drinking animals.
- 02
Interpretation centre
A small museum at the tourist complex helps with species you are likely to see.
- 03
Chorkhamara gate
The main gate, with the most safari traffic and booking support nearby.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Nagzira is the part of the reserve most visitors travel for. The sanctuary covers around 153 square kilometres of forest and lakes, with the lake edge giving the best light for birds early in the day. Chorkhamara is the main gate and handles most safaris, while Pitezari is reached from the Sakoli or Bhandara side on narrow roads, so allow generous time to get there.
Book a morning slot if you can. Gypsy spot booking is possible at some gates, but slots can fill, so reserving online is safer. Take a naturalist, bring binoculars and aim to spend a few hours inside rather than hurrying. At the tourist complex a small museum and interpretation centre helps with identification.
Sightings vary. Gaur, sambar, chital, sloth bear and leopard are all found here, and tigers are present; the bar-headed goose is a winter bird. Treat each as a bonus.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Book the safari on the forest portal in advance
- Stay near the gate; the drive in is long
- Carry water, binoculars and sun protection
- Check the gate on your booking before setting out
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- About 45-60 km south of Navegaon; Bhandara and Gondia districts
- Time needed
- Full day
- Best time
- November to February; summer for waterhole sightings but it is very hot
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Safari vehicles do most of the work, but the drive in is long on narrow rural roads, and the jeeps are high and bumpy. There are watchtowers and a small museum at the tourist complex; seating is limited.
- Tickets and access
- Entry by safari. Safari slots are booked on the Maharashtra Forest Department portal (safaribooking.mahaforest.gov.in); where online slots run out, the reserve says spot booking is first come, first served at the gate. Fees are shown only as a chart on the reserve website, so confirm the current rate before you go. The reserve lists Pitezari, Chorkhamara and Mangezari among its gates for the Nagzira area; confirm which gate your booking uses.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Safari vehicles do most of the work, but the drive in is long on narrow rural roads, and the jeeps are high and bumpy. There are watchtowers and a small museum at the tourist complex; seating is limited.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Nagzira from Navegaon?
About 45 to 60 km by road depending on the source and the route; allow extra time on narrow rural roads.
Which gate should I use?
Chorkhamara is the main safari gate; Pitezari and Mangezari are also listed. Check your booking.
Can I see a tiger?
Tigers are present, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
